“La gastronomie est l’art d’utiliser la nourriture pour créer le bonheur.” – Théodore Zeldin

From the moment you step through the doors of Lucie in downtown Toronto, you’re whisked away on a magical culinary journey to France. The warm lighting, the gentle hum of French chansons playing softly in the background and the rich aroma of exquisite food, transport you to a quaint Parisian bistro. It’s like stepping into an episode of Emily in Paris, but instead of watching the charm unfold on a screen, you’re living it.

Lucie opened its doors in 2023, and it’s been making waves on the Toronto dining scene ever since. Named after Yannick Bigourdan’s grandmother, Lucie is more than just a restaurant: it’s a heartfelt tribute to family, love and the art of fine dining. Walking into Lucie, you don’t just feel welcomed: you feel embraced by the walls that whisper stories of heritage and passion. This isn’t just another spot to grab dinner but a memory waiting to be made. 

The decor at Lucie is sleek and elegant, with tables spaced just right to give each diner the intimacy and comfort they need. It’s perfect for a romantic date night, a sophisticated girls’ night out or even a business dinner that’s sure to impress any client. Every detail, from the plush seating to the soft candlelight, has been thoughtfully curated to create an ambiance that’s both luxurious and inviting. The artwork that hangs on the walls will catch the diner’s eyes and you may even spot a picture of Yannick’s grandmother, Lucie, herself.

Now, let’s talk about the men who run the show. These gentlemen aren’t just staff; they’re passionate hosts who make every visit unforgettable. The service at Lucie is impeccable, led by the attentive and charismatic Louis Pronier and Yoann Beaubouchez. The other stars of the show are Adly, the charming server who makes you feel like royalty, and Arnaud Bloquel, the culinary genius behind the exquisite menu. Chef Arnaud, born in the South of France and raised in the Caribbean, brings a wealth of global experience to Lucie. Having worked with renowned chefs like Joël Robuchon and Cyril Lignac, Bloquel’s culinary journey has been impressive. His unique blend of French and Caribbean influences shines through in every dish. 

I don’t want to come off as pretentious, but I dine out quite a bit and consider myself a decent cook. Impressing me isn’t easy, and  many restaurants tend to blur into a haze of sameness. But Lucie blew me away. Each bite was a symphony of flavours, and I felt like Anton Ego in Ratatouille, having my heart, stomach and soul stolen by the chef.

To start your meal, you might indulge in Le Boeuf, Le Foie Gras or L’Asperge. But even before you get to these delights, you’re greeted with an amuse-bouche from the chef – a tantalizing hint of what’s to come. Le Boeuf  looks like a piece of art on a plate and comes with a generous topping of caviar (I mean, come on!) and the L’asperge is white asparagus cooked to perfection. For the main course, the L’Homard and L’Agneau are nothing short of spectacular. The lobster is a masterpiece of succulent lobster, creamy bisque and a hint of citrus that makes your taste buds sing. And let’s not forget the bread – perfect for mopping up every last bit of that divine lobster sauce. The lamb is tender and flavourful, paired with a jus that’s to die for. 

And just when you think it can’t get any better, the cheese plate arrives as a delightful surprise, followed by the show-stopping dessert, La Noisette. This hazelnut creation is the perfect end to a perfect meal, leaving you with a sweet memory that lingers long after the last bite. 

There are so many other items on the menu that I would love to go back to and try, so get ready team Lucie, I will be back soon. Whether you’re looking to impress out-of-towners, celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an unforgettable meal, Lucie is the place to be. The next time you find yourself in downtown Toronto, step into Lucie and let yourself be transported to France – you might never want to come back.

Photos by Hannah Yakobi and Ada Yakobi, and courtesy of Lucie.